This document brings together the reflections of ten people with dementia who were involved in different aspects of the Dementia without Walls programme. As well as strengthening the collective voice of people with dementia through the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) the programme had two main strands of work in which people with dementia were involved: supporting dementia friendly communities in different locations including York, Bradford, Derry-Londonderry and Sutherland; and projects to encourage people to think differently about dementia, including truth telling with people with advanced dementia, positive risk-taking, rights and disability, and women’s experiences of dementia.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This document brings together the reflections of ten people with dementia who were involved in different aspects of the Dementia without Walls programme. As well as strengthening the collective voice of people with dementia through the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) the programme had two main strands of work in which people with dementia were involved: supporting dementia friendly communities in different locations including York, Bradford, Derry-Londonderry and Sutherland; and projects to encourage people to think differently about dementia, including truth telling with people with advanced dementia, positive risk-taking, rights and disability, and women’s experiences of dementia.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
user views, user participation, dementia, social inclusion, evaluation, intervention;
An evaluation of the DEED project (Derry Engages & Empowers Dementia), an 18-month initiative which provided workshops, programmes and toolkits to support businesses, individuals and community organisations to become more dementia friendly and to challenge misconceptions about dementia. The overall aim of the project was to create the conditions to enhance and improve the experience of people living with dementia and their carers in Derry. The paper suggests that the engagement of almost 3,000 individuals across 47 organisations and more than 100 workshops has made a significant positive contribution to increased awareness, understanding, skills and confidence in supporting people living with dementia in Derry. In addition, the project has explored a new approach through its work in schools, providing awareness raising workshops to increase understanding of dementia among future carers and key individuals. Despite its success, the DEED project has established that involvement of people living with dementia in a traditional steering group setting can be difficult and organisations should be creative about how they secure this participation, considering home visits and video diaries or Dictaphones. The paper includes recommendations and ways forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An evaluation of the DEED project (Derry Engages & Empowers Dementia), an 18-month initiative which provided workshops, programmes and toolkits to support businesses, individuals and community organisations to become more dementia friendly and to challenge misconceptions about dementia. The overall aim of the project was to create the conditions to enhance and improve the experience of people living with dementia and their carers in Derry. The paper suggests that the engagement of almost 3,000 individuals across 47 organisations and more than 100 workshops has made a significant positive contribution to increased awareness, understanding, skills and confidence in supporting people living with dementia in Derry. In addition, the project has explored a new approach through its work in schools, providing awareness raising workshops to increase understanding of dementia among future carers and key individuals. Despite its success, the DEED project has established that involvement of people living with dementia in a traditional steering group setting can be difficult and organisations should be creative about how they secure this participation, considering home visits and video diaries or Dictaphones. The paper includes recommendations and ways forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, intervention, community work, social inclusion, evaluation;
This paper contributes to the emerging evidence base by drawing out the key messages from independent evaluations of York and Bradford dementia friendly communities (DFCs). DFCs aim to be accessible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive to those affected by dementia, enabling them to contribute to, and participate in, mainstream society. The report shows that: the active, meaningful engagement of people with dementia and their families is fundamental; DFCs must engage with, and achieve equity for, all people with dementia, whatever their circumstances; practical barriers to inclusion must be addressed if normal lives are to be continued; the human rights of people with dementia and carers must be recognised and promoted; DFCs must be underpinned by ongoing awareness raising, training and positive media coverage; connections and networks, within and beyond the community, are at the heart of DFCs; local grassroots community activity is the bedrock of DFCs and must be supported by strong strategic planning, commissioning and leadership; both primary and secondary health providers have a vital role to play in supporting social inclusion. The report concludes that there is no template and each community must develop its own approach.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper contributes to the emerging evidence base by drawing out the key messages from independent evaluations of York and Bradford dementia friendly communities (DFCs). DFCs aim to be accessible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive to those affected by dementia, enabling them to contribute to, and participate in, mainstream society. The report shows that: the active, meaningful engagement of people with dementia and their families is fundamental; DFCs must engage with, and achieve equity for, all people with dementia, whatever their circumstances; practical barriers to inclusion must be addressed if normal lives are to be continued; the human rights of people with dementia and carers must be recognised and promoted; DFCs must be underpinned by ongoing awareness raising, training and positive media coverage; connections and networks, within and beyond the community, are at the heart of DFCs; local grassroots community activity is the bedrock of DFCs and must be supported by strong strategic planning, commissioning and leadership; both primary and secondary health providers have a vital role to play in supporting social inclusion. The report concludes that there is no template and each community must develop its own approach.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, communities, community development, older people, social inclusion, intervention, evaluation;
This is a report of an evaluation of the impact of, and learning from, the Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) Programme in York. The evaluation included structured in-depth interviews with close stakeholders, structured interviews and conversations with people with dementia, carers support group, volunteers and paid workers, an online survey and a workshop to test initial findings. The report identifies: the distinctive features of the York Dementia Friendly Communities Programme; how people with dementia have been involved in shaping the programme; the opportunity to integrate health and social care services and to focus on the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers; and the learning for others who are trying to build dementia friendly communities. The evaluation found that: the approach in York of encouraging ‘many flowers to bloom’ has led to a range of small initiatives springing up, influenced by people with dementia and carers; sign-up at leadership level is evident, but the middle managers and teams which connect strategic objectives to frontline services need more support and investment; the spiritual, cultural and human assets of York should be utilised more to increase awareness, improve support, and complement already overstretched public sector resources; there needs to be greater focus on integration of health and social care for people with dementia; organisations need to consider how to use relevant legislation to protect people’s rights and to enable people with dementia to engage in community life; it is still difficult to engage with some individuals and smaller groups of people who are marginalised by their economic, social or environmental situations or their fear of stigma, as well as by the degenerative nature of their dementia; and what most people want is the right to live as normal a life as possible for as long as possible.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This is a report of an evaluation of the impact of, and learning from, the Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) Programme in York. The evaluation included structured in-depth interviews with close stakeholders, structured interviews and conversations with people with dementia, carers support group, volunteers and paid workers, an online survey and a workshop to test initial findings. The report identifies: the distinctive features of the York Dementia Friendly Communities Programme; how people with dementia have been involved in shaping the programme; the opportunity to integrate health and social care services and to focus on the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers; and the learning for others who are trying to build dementia friendly communities. The evaluation found that: the approach in York of encouraging ‘many flowers to bloom’ has led to a range of small initiatives springing up, influenced by people with dementia and carers; sign-up at leadership level is evident, but the middle managers and teams which connect strategic objectives to frontline services need more support and investment; the spiritual, cultural and human assets of York should be utilised more to increase awareness, improve support, and complement already overstretched public sector resources; there needs to be greater focus on integration of health and social care for people with dementia; organisations need to consider how to use relevant legislation to protect people’s rights and to enable people with dementia to engage in community life; it is still difficult to engage with some individuals and smaller groups of people who are marginalised by their economic, social or environmental situations or their fear of stigma, as well as by the degenerative nature of their dementia; and what most people want is the right to live as normal a life as possible for as long as possible.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, older people, community development, communities, intervention, evaluation, strengths-based approach, integrated care, attitudes, social inclusion, participation;
This paper shares the lessons that have been learnt in the implementation of JRF’s Dementia without Walls Programme, which aims to support the collective engagement and actions of people with dementia; inspire local communities, organisations and businesses to become more aware and understanding of dementia, and more inclusive; and challenge attitudes, language, misunderstandings and behaviours. The key lessons, which are illustrated though a number of case studies, include: an organisation-wide approach signals that dementia awareness is important for everyone; using a community development approach can help build capacity and lead to more flexibility of approach, greater staff engagement, and a sense of ownership from the bottom up; corporate endorsement and top-down leadership is important in enabling staff participation, giving profile to the work and sustaining the commitment; a wide range of mechanisms can be used to raise awareness and provide information about dementia to staff; effective involvement of people with dementia and carers can help challenge attitudes and assumptions; and providing multiple and varied opportunities for staff involvement can reveal individual interests, skills and passions.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper shares the lessons that have been learnt in the implementation of JRF’s Dementia without Walls Programme, which aims to support the collective engagement and actions of people with dementia; inspire local communities, organisations and businesses to become more aware and understanding of dementia, and more inclusive; and challenge attitudes, language, misunderstandings and behaviours. The key lessons, which are illustrated though a number of case studies, include: an organisation-wide approach signals that dementia awareness is important for everyone; using a community development approach can help build capacity and lead to more flexibility of approach, greater staff engagement, and a sense of ownership from the bottom up; corporate endorsement and top-down leadership is important in enabling staff participation, giving profile to the work and sustaining the commitment; a wide range of mechanisms can be used to raise awareness and provide information about dementia to staff; effective involvement of people with dementia and carers can help challenge attitudes and assumptions; and providing multiple and varied opportunities for staff involvement can reveal individual interests, skills and passions.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, older people, organisational culture, attitudes, social inclusion, change management, case studies;
This is a report of an evaluation of the impact of, and learning from, the Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) Programme in Bradford, jointly supported by Bradford Council and JRF for two years from April 2013 to March 2015. The report identifies the distinctive features of the programme, which reflect the diverse geography and culture of the district and examines: how people with dementia can influence what a dementia friendly Bradford should be like; the main challenges which will need to be addressed to ensure that progress continues; and the learning for others who are trying to build dementia friendly communities. The evaluation used a range of approaches including individual interviews, group discussions and an online questionnaire. In addition a range of meetings was observed, and the evaluation team hosted a ‘sounding board’ workshop to test initial findings. Overall, the evaluation shows that there is a strategic approach to building dementia friendly communities across a geographically and culturally diverse district. This has engaged key partners at local and strategic levels. The experience of living with dementia is affected by existing inequalities in the population, such as those based on race and economic deprivation, and this means that barriers for some people are worse than others. The report concludes that more involvement of people with dementia and their carers will lead to a better understanding of what makes a DFC for different groups and how to achieve this.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This is a report of an evaluation of the impact of, and learning from, the Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) Programme in Bradford, jointly supported by Bradford Council and JRF for two years from April 2013 to March 2015. The report identifies the distinctive features of the programme, which reflect the diverse geography and culture of the district and examines: how people with dementia can influence what a dementia friendly Bradford should be like; the main challenges which will need to be addressed to ensure that progress continues; and the learning for others who are trying to build dementia friendly communities. The evaluation used a range of approaches including individual interviews, group discussions and an online questionnaire. In addition a range of meetings was observed, and the evaluation team hosted a ‘sounding board’ workshop to test initial findings. Overall, the evaluation shows that there is a strategic approach to building dementia friendly communities across a geographically and culturally diverse district. This has engaged key partners at local and strategic levels. The experience of living with dementia is affected by existing inequalities in the population, such as those based on race and economic deprivation, and this means that barriers for some people are worse than others. The report concludes that more involvement of people with dementia and their carers will lead to a better understanding of what makes a DFC for different groups and how to achieve this.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, social inclusion, intervention, evaluation, communities, older people;
This report examines the role of women and faith in building cohesive communities and provides models for developing and evaluating social cohesion activity. It sought to explore how meaningful interaction between individuals and groups is affected by differing access to resources, capacity and power between and within groups. The report: identifies four kinds of social cohesion activity, each of which has different aims and promotes different kinds of relationships; explores how faith identity and religious beliefs can influence community cohesion and the development of shared values; identifies key issues for the inclusion of women within communities and in leadership positions; and provides a model for working with individuals and groups to promote local cohesion activity. The report concludes that climate of trust is needed for interaction that leads to shared values and the resolution of real issues. Such relationships are needed between diverse individuals and groups, but also between social groups and statutory authorities, including government.
This report examines the role of women and faith in building cohesive communities and provides models for developing and evaluating social cohesion activity. It sought to explore how meaningful interaction between individuals and groups is affected by differing access to resources, capacity and power between and within groups. The report: identifies four kinds of social cohesion activity, each of which has different aims and promotes different kinds of relationships; explores how faith identity and religious beliefs can influence community cohesion and the development of shared values; identifies key issues for the inclusion of women within communities and in leadership positions; and provides a model for working with individuals and groups to promote local cohesion activity. The report concludes that climate of trust is needed for interaction that leads to shared values and the resolution of real issues. Such relationships are needed between diverse individuals and groups, but also between social groups and statutory authorities, including government.
Subject terms:
religions, social inclusion, women, capacity building, community development;
The key findings of a literature review (published in full elsewhere) on abstinence and drinking patterns among minority ethnic groups in the UK are summarised in this brief report. The review drew on English language research in the UK over the last 15 years. It focused on whether rates of alcohol use are changing among ethnic groups and the possible impact of changes in drinking behaviour on the support and services needed. It seems there is diversity both between and within ethnic groups in terms of drinking patterns. However, most minority groups have higher rates of abstinence and lower levels of drinking than people from white backgrounds. Over time generational difference may emerge and patterns of drinking converge with those of the local population. People from minority ethnic groups have similar levels of dependence despite drinking less than the general population. Minority groups tend to be underrepresented among those seeking treatment and it is suggested that service providers may not be responsive enough to their specific needs.
The key findings of a literature review (published in full elsewhere) on abstinence and drinking patterns among minority ethnic groups in the UK are summarised in this brief report. The review drew on English language research in the UK over the last 15 years. It focused on whether rates of alcohol use are changing among ethnic groups and the possible impact of changes in drinking behaviour on the support and services needed. It seems there is diversity both between and within ethnic groups in terms of drinking patterns. However, most minority groups have higher rates of abstinence and lower levels of drinking than people from white backgrounds. Over time generational difference may emerge and patterns of drinking converge with those of the local population. People from minority ethnic groups have similar levels of dependence despite drinking less than the general population. Minority groups tend to be underrepresented among those seeking treatment and it is suggested that service providers may not be responsive enough to their specific needs.
Subject terms:
immigrants, literature reviews, multicultural approach, service uptake, social inclusion, alcohol misuse, black and minority ethnic people;
This literature review draws together UK research on abstinence and drinking patterns among minority ethnic groups published in English over the last 15 years. In particular it: describes drinking levels as reported in national surveys and local research; considers processes and influences that help to explain why drinking rates among ethnic groups in a new country may change over time; examines help-seeking, support and service provision for minority ethnic groups; and looks at the extent to which they are equipped to respond to the needs of minority ethnic groups. The findings reveal that most minority ethnic groups have higher rates of abstinence and lower levels of frequent and heavy drinking compared with the British population as a whole and those from white backgrounds. However drinking patterns vary between and within minority ethnic groups. It appears that over time, minority ethnic groups settling in a new country may start to adopt new attitudes and behaviours, and their drinking rates begin to reflect those in the general population. Acculturation, as well as the stress of migration itself, may also help to explain the changes. Minority ethnic groups are under-represented among those seeking support for drinking problems. Reasons for this are discussed. It is suggested that alcohol services need to explore opportunities to integrate the preferences of minority group individuals as well as being flexible and adapting to socio-demographic changes in local populations, and to changes in drinking patterns and attitudes among some different ethnic groups.
This literature review draws together UK research on abstinence and drinking patterns among minority ethnic groups published in English over the last 15 years. In particular it: describes drinking levels as reported in national surveys and local research; considers processes and influences that help to explain why drinking rates among ethnic groups in a new country may change over time; examines help-seeking, support and service provision for minority ethnic groups; and looks at the extent to which they are equipped to respond to the needs of minority ethnic groups. The findings reveal that most minority ethnic groups have higher rates of abstinence and lower levels of frequent and heavy drinking compared with the British population as a whole and those from white backgrounds. However drinking patterns vary between and within minority ethnic groups. It appears that over time, minority ethnic groups settling in a new country may start to adopt new attitudes and behaviours, and their drinking rates begin to reflect those in the general population. Acculturation, as well as the stress of migration itself, may also help to explain the changes. Minority ethnic groups are under-represented among those seeking support for drinking problems. Reasons for this are discussed. It is suggested that alcohol services need to explore opportunities to integrate the preferences of minority group individuals as well as being flexible and adapting to socio-demographic changes in local populations, and to changes in drinking patterns and attitudes among some different ethnic groups.
Subject terms:
immigrants, literature reviews, multicultural approach, service uptake, social inclusion, alcohol misuse, black and minority ethnic people;
Eight research projects about Muslim women, Pakistani Muslim young men, recent migrants to Bradford and life on former council estates, were undertaken by the JosephRowntreeFoundation as part of a 10 year programme to improve life in Bradford in the context of the challenges of poverty and social and economic division. Summarising the findings of these projects, this paper notes that overall
Eight research projects about Muslim women, Pakistani Muslim young men, recent migrants to Bradford and life on former council estates, were undertaken by the JosephRowntreeFoundation as part of a 10 year programme to improve life in Bradford in the context of the challenges of poverty and social and economic division. Summarising the findings of these projects, this paper notes that overall there is a large degree of commonality in the lives and experiences of those with different ethnicities, religions and cultures, and calls for more recognition and promotion of these common life experiences as one approach to challenging suspicion among people of different backgrounds. It asserts that an alternative narrative is needed which focuses on issues of poverty, inequality and powerlessness and that this has the potential to unite the residents of social housing estates and inner cities, regardless of ethnic origin, class, culture or religion.
Subject terms:
housing estates, inner cities, Islam, Muslims, poverty, religions, social exclusion, social inclusion, social networks, black and minority ethnic people, community development, diversity, equal opportunities, ethnicity;